Research

Neutrinos are the second most abundant particles in the universe. They’re invisible and seem to have little impact on our daily lives, but without them life itself, would not be possible. Now Scientists think they may be useful for monitoring nuclear reactors, like the one in Iran.

Physicist Enrico Fermi named the particle he had long surmised existed, neutrino Italian for ‘the little neutral one’ because, it has a neutral electrical charge.

Even though every adult today was once a teenager, the teen brain remains a mystery to almost everyone. Especially when it comes to risk taking. What makes some teens daredevils and others, not-so-much?

That’s what psychologists at The Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute will be looking into in a new study that will last three years.

Remember a young Tom Cruise in the movie Risky Business where he’s racing his father’s Porsche around Chicago even though he was warned not too? He’s lovin’ it, because it’s forbidden.

Virginia, no longer ranked as the best state to do business, still has a strong economic footing, especially in Northern Virginia. But because the state is so heavily reliant on defense contracts which have recently been on the federal chopping block, Governor McAuliffe is looking to strengthen the state's economy through other avenues.

The recent trend toward e-cigarettes as a way to avoid the dangers of smoking may not be as safe as previously thought. Scientists at Virginia Tech now say nicotine; even in non-smoke-able forms can, cause cancer.

There’s now an entire industry based on smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine gums, lozenges and the newest delivery devices, e- cigarettes. But according to Geneticist, Skip Garner, nicotine itself, once thought to be merely addictive is also carcinogenic.

The elements known as ‘rare earths,’ are a relatively new addition to the periodic table. And they have changed the world, ushering in the new age of technology because of their unique properties. They allow us to make smaller and more efficient devices; everything from smart phones to wind turbines.